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IN COMMEMORATION 



BIRTHDAY OF WASHINGTON, 



DELIVERED AT 



SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS, 



Februakt 22d, 1793. 



By WILLIAM BENTLEY, D. D. 



if ?■' 



'V 



M0EEI8ANIA, N. Y. 
1870. 




£3/2- 



i 



The following Oration was originally printed in Tub 
HisTOEiOiL Magazixe, published In Morrisania, N. T., and 
has been re-prodaced in this form, in an edition of thirty 
copies, exclusively for private circulation. 

MoHBiSAuiA, N, Y. H. B. D. 



PREFATORA' NOTE. 



Rev. William Bentley, D.D., the author of this Oration^ 
was born in Boston, on the twenty-second of Jnne, 1T59 ; 
er;idu:ited at Uarviird College, in 1777: settled over the 
East-church, (Uuitariau) in Salem, on the twenty-fourth of 
September, 1783 ; and died suddenly, on the twenty-ninth 
of December, IS. 9, ao;et^ sixty years. 

He published a CoTlfctlon of Fmlms and HymnSt which 
was introduced into his Church, iu Salera. and continued in 
use, in that Society, from November, 17-8, until 1843, when 
it was superceded by that of Doctor Flnt. He wrote a 
Hifitory of Salem^ which was published in the sixth vol- 
ume of Vcia Massachusetts Historical Collections; and he 
was the Editor of» The Essex Register, a Democratic news- 
paper, for twenty years. Several of his Sermons also, 
were published, durm? his life. 

He was a diligent collector of books and curiosities, leav- 
ing behind him, at his death, a large aud valuable library 
and cabinet; and he bequeathed the theological portion of 
them to the College at Meadville, Pennsylvania, and 
another portion, probably the historical works, to the 
American Antiquarian Society, at Worcester, Massachu- 
setts. 

He was eminent for his learning and varied attainments ; 
and he was an honored member of several scientific and 
historical Societies. 

The following Oration, from the original manuscript, 
has never been published ; and at the request of our un- 
wearied friend. Captain Geoege H. Preble. tJ.SN., Miss 
Mart R. Crowninsuield, of Charlestown, Massachusetts, 
has kindly permiited us to print it, the tirst time, in the 
HiBTCRiOAL Magazine, whose readers will thus be favored 
with an i'em of Washinqioniana, which the most diligent 
collector has hitherto failed to secure. 

Captaiti Preble never does by halves ; and the same mail 
which brought the manuscript of the Oration to our table, 
brought nlso a sketch of Dr. Bentley's life, which we have 
inrorpor.ited into this Note, and the following description 
of the Celebration which called forth the Oration ; which 
he found in Felt's Annals of Salem, ii, 50 : 

" BIRTH OF WASHINGTON. 

*■ This event was celebrated. Feb. 22, IT^S. At break of 
"day, salutes were fired from the old and new forts and, 
"by an artillery company, from the heights above the 
"town ; bells rang ; and musicians played. At sunrise, 
*' fifteen flags were displayed from the Court-house cupola ; 
" and like insignia were shown from Washington Hall, 



among whlcb was a royal standard, reversed, as an em- 
"blem of the downfall of earthly crowns. 
*' " In the forenoon, the inhabitants were generally abroad, 
*'to enjoj^ the occasion. At noon, a procession moved un- 
'^' der a military escort, with the usual music and ii band, to 
' the North Meeting-house, already graced with a large 
"assemblage of ladies. 7iV y. WUllam BaitUy pronounced 
"the Oration. The procession came back to Washington 
*' Hall where two hundred persons dined. Another dinner 
** party were provided for at the Sun Tavern. There was a 
"good collection taken at the doors of the Meeting-house, 
t'to gladden the hearts of the poor. The tenants of the 
" Alms-house had a plentiful dinner. It was truly a day of 
"great political uuion, whereon each endeavored to be 
'•happy by contributing to each others' enjoyment. Such 
" demonstrations of our better feelings have a far different 
"effect on communities than the bitter spirit of party, 
"which withholds all beneficence, except to its own mem- 
"bers.'* 

MOBEIBAKIA, N. Y. H. B. D. 



ORATION. 




.WA§lI2.M©T(S)Mo 



FHOMAMUKIUIJJM, CONTEUTOHAKY- PICTUKK TW 'D"' 
POSSESSION 01' WiU.IAMMENZIES.ESQ 



fqtVME PLATE 



ORATION. 

Gentlemen, Friends, and Fellow Citizens. 

With the ardor vphich the love of our coun- 
try inspires, and in compliance with yonr patri- 
otic wishes, I rise, on this joyful anniversary, to 
celebrate the nativity of the Saviour, under God, 
of my CountiT. 

To ask candor from citizens equally interest- 
ed with myself, in the important consequences 
of this event, would offend their virtue. While 
the speaker treats his subject with the enthusiasm 
it inspires at the lirst moment of reflection, he 
claims the tribute due to a compliance with the 
public wishes. 

The celebration of great events is adapted to 
preserve the just remembrance of the causes 
which have originated the invaluable blessings 
we possess. We neither attribute too much to 
an individual, nor forget the concurrence of 
other moans for our happiness. Nothing is more 
obvious than the cooperation of causes to pro- 
duce tlie events, in (vhieh a principal agent has 
been most distinguished. We can hardly dis- 
cern nature from education, at the points in 
which they meet ; and we feel greatness to depend 
on the concurrence of circumstances, out ot hu- 
man power. Nativities cannot have frequent and 



3 



just occasions, because they refer the ultimate 
merit to the individual. In the nlorious scenes 
of life, such men are seldom found. But, if ever 
an exception was admitted, it niiLfht be on 
the present occasion. Behold the man, great in 
battle and at the head of armies ! Behold him, 
surrounded with glory, in the chair of State ! 
Behold him in the otBces of humanity, and the 
familiar duties of life : in each he is great ; nor 
has yet the admiring world decided in what 
character he is greatest. Recount tlie actions of 
his life, and see how -heaven has marked him 
for distinguished honor ! Famed conquerors 
of the earth ! pay him the first honors ; and 
raise your merit, while ye bow to him. 

What local greatness is to be found in the 
heroes of past ages ? The voice of a few gene- 
rations pronounced them great ; and the feeble 
report in allegory and fable confounded them 
with the most ancient traditions. But with 
Washington, the most important history of our 
world begins. His happy Revolution has rob- 
bed Tyranny of its spell, and taught mankind 
that, could they find an hero like him, as great 
in virtue as in arms, they might, by one generous 
eifort, ensure the highest ends of Government, 
and ti'ample oppression in the dust. And what 
alarms are heard ! What mighty revolutions 
have begun ! Where are the Washingtons to con- 
duct the great work ? Heroes and Patriots ! 
arise. Nor can my boldest imagination draw 



them into competition. The force of millions, 
the aids of literature, and all the schools of am- 
bition have not shown the rival of his fame i 
He lias given that motion to the ball of empire, 
which, like a mighty Providence, aids it as it 
rolls, till its greatest revolutions are accom- 
plished. Forbid it, heaven, that he should have 
the honors of a Jupiter, the fame of Numa, or . 
the veneration of Moses. The place in the re- 
cords of fame is yet left open for his name — 
WASHINGTON, the immortal, who taught 
man virtue, and made him MAN ! 

The history of his birth and his fti-st scene of 
greatness have been often repeated with raptu- 
rous emotion. An American Ramsey has given 
the great events of his life, which are read with 
eagerness by every American. And who can 
be fatigued with the repetition ? Like some 
sacred page, the more it is perused the more 
the iire burns within us. What modesty tri- 
umphs in his first acceptance of our American 
world, on his shoulders ! What horror assails 
him from the sound of Civil War ! What fac- 
tions sm-round him ! In what bands can he unite 
Provinces, whose geography was unknown to 
each other and who had been rivals in interest ! 
The impossibility of the union was declared 
everywhere. Great Washington arose ! Faction 
uttered her first feeble accents, but swallowed 
and confounded them as they rose in silence 
She beheld this rising luminary, and, disarmed 



of her rage, bowed down to worship him. What 
consolation to tliis Province was his arrival ? 
The destitute Army seemed to transform itself 
into order, by invisil)le means; and the God of 
heaven sent it supplies from the enemy. The 
countenance of despondency disappeared ; and, 
from invectives, to arm the rase of the people, 
every pulpit resounded the more divine language 
of Washington, the deliverer. A retreating ene- 
my soon verified the prediction ; and we were 
again free from the alarms ot War. 

A new scene and more active, opened, and, 
that no insinuation might be possible, as diver- 
sified as offensive and defensive War could make 
it. And, least the success should be attributed 
to his troops, which held up to him the greatest 
advantages, he wiis often in circumstances the 
most discouraging. Nothing was in order but 
his own mind, which, after the utmost adversity 
was exalted by the most glorious success. With 
pleasure, might we recite his whole military his- 
tory and the successive events which, by the 
concurrence of our Freach allies, terminated in 
the Peace and Independance of these States. 
But, as this military liistory is yet a desideratum, 
it may be left for military genius to do it justice. 

Wiiat solemn testimony did his affectionate 
nfiicers give him, at disbanding the Army ; and 
what glorious victory, more noble than any he 
ever gained for his Country, did he obtain, when 
he made them abandon themselves to evex'y in- 



jury, and submit in silence for the good of their 
Couutrj' I Bat. to disband an Armj^ without pay, 
to be the national Treasury, without finance and 
without appointment, is a service left only for 
the greatest merit to perform. He then descends 
into private life. Can any Roman Emperor, or 
modern Charles compare with them ? Can a 
grateful people be content with the offering ? 
Will tliey not unite in the common prayer, that 
he should be a Father to the People ? Already 
he had been their defence, while untutored in 
war, and had led them on to battle. The last, 
best office remained, to ensure to them the bles-. 
sings for which they had so eagerly contended. 

Is is not enough for human greatness to excel, 
without such repeated experiments of its 
strength ? Behold him ! yet mounting on the 
car of gloi-j'. His Country is happy. The 
Government has its success ; and we are in the 
possession of the greatest national tranquility. 
If heaven ever sent its gifts to man and a guar- 
dian of his peace, it is in the man we celebrate. 
Our highest joy and our fondest praise have 
the applause of virtue and of heaven. 

Before we indulge a more intimate view of 
our situation and country, let us enquire into 
the effects of this interesting scene, upon its nu- 
merous spectators. It can be no pleasure to a 
generous patriot, to insult the political errors of 
any country. The extensive views upon which 
he examines national character, prevent the un- 



6 



candid insinuations of vulgar minds. While he 
celebrates a Washington, who has established 
his influence in the hearts of the people, it would 
be an ill compliment to utter any invectives. If 
any are great by their vices, public justice will 
be the speedy avenger. Empty names will cease 
in an enlightened world ; and the more exalted 
Tyranny may be, it is only that in its destruc- 
tion. Liberty may have a more sure victory. It 
is impossible, that as good men, we should not 
enjoy the prospect opening to the world. The 
future benefits are deserving of the zeal expen- 
ded to secure tliem ; but the spectator beholds 
with regret, the painful scenes which may intro- 
duce them. And, although he looks to the bles- 
sings with transport, yet, with silent grief, he be- 
holds the means which will be employed. 

Political convulsions are capable of very dif- 
ferent effects, either as anticipated, felt, or en- 
joyed in the future peace. In the expectation, 
genius and virtue dare to be great. But, 
alarmed passion, unrestrained violence, and mad 
opinion, institutions forgotten and the world 
in tumult, leave no image in nature for the ima- 
gination. The hurricane is but a faint image 
of the apprehension and the danger. In the 
busy scene, action may withdraw our mind 
from their painful reflections, but it is like the 
violent rains, which in some part of their conflu- 
ence have a clear channel, but rage more vio- 
lently at every obstruction. It is only when we 



can look hack, and see ourselves safe, we can be 
happy. 

It was a popular observation of Common Sense^ 
that the Scriptures had given a very unfavora- 
ble representation of kingly power. Though the 
force of the remark may be in prejudice, it is 
happy when the weakest prejudice finds no 
support from even the history of religion. The 
increase of Republics and the modern notions 
of representation are opposed to what Mr. Paine 
has called the compact of Governors and Gov- 
erned. Revolutions bend new force against 
power and, particularly, Royalty. Royalty orig- 
inated in a state of War; and this was the sav- 
age state of man. It begun when he was igno- 
rant of his necessary subordination ; when he was 
the slave of heroism ; and when no written laws 
defined his obligation. It is in War, that Kings 
have theii' liighest claims, even in the present 
age. The patriarchal wisdom and the claims of 
Senators are felt in Peace. It is only from the 
projections of a perpetual Peace, that the disso- 
lution of kingly power can be expected. A 
state of War and Peace has been the origin of 
that mixed Govci-nmeut accommodated to them 
both. With this provision, the love of con- 
quests and extended empires has been continued. 
Safety in small societies will disarm them ; and 
then only will Commerce and the Arts rest on 
the natural foimdations of industry. 

O ! blessed days, that are to unfold to the im- 



8 



partial understanding, the happiness of man, 
from a comparative view of the history of ages. 
On such occasions, we recur to Rome and Gree e, 
for illustrations of the defence of Liberty. The 
appeal to them, for the general sentiment, was 
just. The self-originated Governments of Greece, 
unmeliorated by generous Commerce, and pro- 
ductive of more Science than Arts, in their end- 
less multiplicity, have shown struggling, but not 
well-directed, virtue. Rome, which produced 
greater men, retained its martial spirit, till its 
glory was lost in Tyranny. We are better in- 
structed by the lessons they have left than by 
the actions they have performed. The other an- 
cient Nations deserve not our recollection. But 
the present Revolutions, begun on bolder princi- 
ples, are lessons of sublime instruction, and are 
accompanied with circumstances which admit 
no compariscm. Let the old dispute revive be- 
tween the ancients and the moderns, who in this 
point will hold the competition ? Is Political 
Economy already in its perfection, that we may 
check the spirit for Revolutions ? The English 
Constitution, as it was called, lias been .justly 
celebrated. But is it a model for the world ? 
It owes its spirit of liberty to its early commer- 
cial advantages. It went before other nations, 
in its iiolitical privileges and writings. These 
advantages have long since been taken out of 
their hands. To talk, at this day, of the supe- 
rior blessings of this Constitution, otherwise 



e 



than as a debt of gratitude for the past, is to 
maintain prejudices after the causes have ceased 
whicli produced them — an employment by no 
means becoming an enlightened understanding. 
Opposition to a law which did not originate in 
the Nation, was a standing mark of the genius of 
the Nation ; but its Revolutionb do not indicate 
Liberty in its Laws. The death of Charles was 
opposite to the spirit of the Government, but 
not to the Rights of Man. And it is confessed 
by many, that the most valuable blessings of the 
present establishment are not independant of 
this 3vent. Alas ! that Government should at- 
tach to names such prejudices, as the want of 
merit cannot destroy. Reason teaches, to pre- 
vent the horror of such a catastrophe, we should 
prevent the folly which occasioned it. The influ- 
ence of great characters, upon political society, 
have been illustrated in the powers of Prussia 
and Russia ; but, in the distant consequences, 
have mankind gained more than in the humble 
Republics ? And have the Dutch owed any of 
their glory, since their establishment, to the 
house of Orange ? Testify, ye Grotiuses. No 
man can take away the advantages of industry ; 
but to what have the Dutch owed their greatest 
calamities. But the alarm is sounded through 
the earth ; and France has determined to be free 1 
It is not to be conceived that, in America, we 
can easily form just ideas of the progress of the 
French. Their situation is quite dissimilar. 



10 



Accustomed, from great antiquity, to the gOT- 
ernment of Kings; disused to a representation of 
the People ; witnesses of the excesses of power, 
the pomp of royalty, and the thirst of dominion ; 
governed by national prejudices, rather than 
national interest ; and haying a different stand- 
ard of respect for characters, their difficulties 
must have increased. Retaliation, in its horrid 
scenes, finds excuses where it cannot find rea- 
sons. Their success is more owing to the en- 
chanting voice of Liberty, than to their brave 
Generals. Consequences, .we cannot foresee. 

The restoration of Monarchy, as in England, 
will probably be prevented ; and changes more 
durable than those in the little Kingdoms of the 
North. The commemorations of these great 
events, in the United States and in our Capital 
bid us anticipate much from the political infor- 
mation. A religion which excited our aversion, 
cannot now prevent our cordial aifection ; and, as 
we approach to embrace each other, we consent 
in the substantial truths of our interest and hap- 
piness. We are not to imagine that the measures 
of this enlightened Nation are the impulse of the 
moment. There have been many struggles in its 
bosom, many sighs for Liberty ; but, encircled 
by the magic power of forms, it suffered violence ; 
and the violent have taken it by force. An en- 
thusiastic love of Liberty carries the soul, over 
all the outrages of passion and tumult, to the 
happy scenes in which this great and glorious 



11 



People shall illustrate the most interesting truths 
to mankind. Heaven teaches it in the past his- 
tory of the People ; and in the greatness of their 
danger forms their salvation. 

Nor can vpe forget, on this subject, the darling 
Frenchman of America who, by his amiable 
manners and deserved military reputation, se- 
cured more hearts for France than all the meas- 
ures of that Court ; who kindled into a flame, 
the love of liberty, which philosophy, in the 
writings of the age, had excited. If he loved 
his King, because his heart had not fully achiev- 
ed the Revolution; if he offended the majesty 
of the People by a bold remonstrance ; he want- 
ed respect neither for liberty nor for virtue. 
Our hearts beat quick for the man we love ; and 
the affection of our own General warrants our 
warmest wishes, both for his liberty and his fu- 
ture happiness. 

But, while we pay this tribute of gratitude to 
a stranger, shall we forget the men who have 
nobly dared to present to us the undisturbed 
blessings of Peace ? The writings of Mr. Paine 
were useful in our Revolution ; and can we doubt 
that, formed on the same plan, they will in some 
future ages receive the gratitude of Europe ? 
We cannot refuse to confess, that men who have 
opposed the prevalent theories of the human 
mind, have contributed an essential part to the 
progress of the human understanding. If ever 
our prejudices would have proclaimed dangeri 



12 



it would be from the writings of such men. Tct 
they have, contrary to our first apprehensions 
emancipated us from the tyranny of established 
systems and left an important era in the his- 
tory of mankind. Perhaps no man has exceed- 
ed a partisan, in the French Revolution ; and yet 
who will pronounce that he lived in vain. From 
the great Doctor Price, whose calculations have 
been so useful in Political Economy, we may 
pass to the worthy Neckar, who will be grateful- 
ly remembered when all prejudices against him 
are lost and his own unworthy complaints are 
forgotten. Their worthy pupil in the iinances 
of America, Secretary Hamilton, will rise high 
in the minds of grateful posterity. The fate of 
Neckar and Fayette might have been realized 
in America, had not the deserved confidence in 
General Washington been a balance to all the 
ungenerous designs of party. Too ready to ob- 
literate the past, the shafts of envy would not 
otherwise have been discharged in vain. Who 
regards not, with gratitude, the early services of 
an Adams, his negotiations, and his attention 
to the Fisheries ? Who has not followed his 
pen, while he places the whole politicial world 
before us? And shall he not draw his own 
candid conclusions ? Shall he not deserve the 
unanimity of our elections ? Can Liberty make 
enquiry safe, when it teaches an administration 
ever open to a reform ? Shall they who gave 
their property and their lives, and were marked 



18 



out for vengeance, as our Governor, be obliter. 
ated from the list of heroes ? And shall not 
every man, entitled to the privileges of the Laws, 
claim encouragement for his abilities? Shall a 
Priestley have no credit for his politics or his 
philosophy, because of his religion ? Would a 
Newton or the American Franklin stand a test 
so partial ? 

While we are thus grateful to the benefactors 
of mankind, let us recollect our own enjoyments 
from their benevolence. We search not the caus- 
es of the American Revolution in Acts of the 
British Parliament. The pretences were spe- 
cious ; and, as a fine writer on their Constitution, 
they granted Independance to preserve the unity 
of Parliament, so we desired it because we 
thought ourselves able to maintain it. The ap- 
prehensions of parties originated the evils of 
which we complained. 

No part of British America was more happy 
in its settlement than this ancient town of Salem. 
Priestly power was annihilated in the appoint- 
ment of the first Teacher; and they asserted, af- 
terwards, their right, in defiance of the Govern- 
ment, The neighboring Provinces profited from 
their zeal ; and they never fell into disgrace, till 
fanaticism was established by Law. The Town 
behaved with a generosity which did them honor 
at the commencement of the War. Their Mili- 
tia was well regulated, by a gentleman, called 
afterwards to some important military and civil 



14 



appointments. With the character of industry, 
it sustained the reputation of moderation and 
firmness. On yonder Bridge, was the first jis- 
pute with the British troops; and, on this occas- 
ion, was displayed the eminent prudence of that 
gentleman who has long been the ornament of 
this desk. Every man recollects the success of 
our naval armaments ; and what is a more pleas- 
urable emotion, we all behold that an industri- 
ous people may not be injured by the greatest 
influx of wealth. When Peace visited us, the 
lovely Fayette partook of our general joy, and 
beheld, united, splendor, order, and conviviali- 
ty. The youth of Salem recollect his gratitude. 
We all remember the glorious twenty-ninth of 
October, 1789, when our illustrious President 
diffused the highest pleasure by his presence, 
and confirmed our love. 

Happiness has attended upon Peace. Our mili- 
tary parade has done honor to the generousheart 
which rendered it so respectable. May the wor- 
thy Gentlemen who have followed him in milita- 
ry promotion, inherit his ambition and success. 
The member of our Legislature is an example 
of that industry, manly freedom, and sober un" 
derstandincc which form our locst reputation" 

Our Ships have followed not only the track of 
the merchant, but the adventurer. We have 
seen our children start from our embraces, and 
perform successful voyages in the most distant 
seas, Our Streets exhibit the neatness of indus- 



15 

try, the convenience of wealth, and the quiet of 
yirtue. Every day is adding to our building, 
for private elegance and public utility; and we are 
thus sharers in the public prosperity. To what 
more happy country can we turn with envy ? 
What sails can waft us to the abodes of greater 
liberty 2 Will proud Asia, in her despotism, 
afford a shelter from the incroachments of pow- 
er ? Or the dark African, sweltering in the heat 
and turning his thoughts upon, not the savage, 
but the crafty and bloody European, that haunts 
his path— will he console us, in a debased under- 
standing ? Will subjected Greece, with the tale 
of its former glory, and amid the rich ruins it 
has preserved, give protection, among its impov- 
erished inhabitants, from rapacity ? Will Rome, 
once mistress ot the world, instruct us to be hap- 
py, when we behold a rough mountain shelter- 
ing Liberty, while the rich fields of Campania 
are waste ? Will the ambition of a Northern 
Empress satisfy us, as slaves of the War and the 
soil ? Will Roman borrowed titles content us> 
when sold for foreign War, at a Prince's discre- 
tion ? Or defying rocks and tremendous gla- 
ciers, the defence of an aristocracy, formed for 
past generations ? Can we prefer, at this age, a 
small Republic, whose privileges foreign power 
may guarantee, and abolish by military violence? 
Or shall we look, with ardent hope, to rival the 
commercial pov/ers which nurse the Arts and 
Sciences and give Laws to mankind ? Too well 



16 



acquainted with a Nation that struggles for a 
Revolution and lets loose its dogs of War, its 
mobs on the enquirer after truth, would we con. 
flict with distracted times ? No, the American 
returns contented to his country. My God, I 
'hank thee that I am thus born ! Let Greece 
boast its heroes, and Rome its patriots ! We have 
raised the standard of freedom : it is boldly dis- 
played. It is for liberty we possess and wOl 
maintain ! But when heaven gave us the boon, 
he gave us Washington. 

Permit me to congratulate the amiable part of 
our creation upon the blessings they will derive, 
in domestic life, from the liberties of mankind. 
Tne cruel restraints of eastern manners will be 
removed, and the absurd laws of ceremony, so 
odious to Love. Confidence and choice will 
fasten the bands : and all the justice of the world 
be engaged for innocence. Man will find his 
partner, and not his slave; and the great law of 
love will be,never to abandon a choice once treely 
made. No longer deprivi^d of the most ingen. 
uous education, they may fondly hope to be our 
rivals, if not our teachers, in all the works of im- 
agination and sympathy. The same shelves shall 
bear the labors of the active and the tender 
mind ; and man shall learn his duty from the 
most lovely friend of his heart. This has, as yet, 
been the progress : it is reserved for future ages 
to show all the glory. 

Nor vrill the man of religion tremble for the 



17 



ark of his God. If revealed religion supports his 
hopes, a wheel within a wheel may be an emblem 
of Providence. The man of natural religion 
however he defines it, believes that nature has 
bound eternal truth by indissoluble bands 
The scheme which makes man most happy 
makes the being of a God a more delightful con" 
templation, and his Providence more glorious. 
The law of life becomes more simple as it is 
more pure ; and conscience then has its best sup- 
port from example. Moral sentiment begets the 
purest hope ; and the purest hope most boldly 
aspires to immortality. The triumph of Liberty 
is gained by virtue : the contending passions, like 
the captives in chains, first adorn the procession 
and then become subjects ; while the greatness of 
their strength is the glory of victory. 

This age, instructed by the past generou* 
efibrts against oppression, has begun the grea 
work of destroying that subordination which 
reduces man to slavery. While a War with 
savages yet impends over our counti-y, it is hap- 
py to observe the exertions for amicable adjust- 
ments. And, while the abolition of Slavery 
is the object, it is happy to see the rigor of 
slavery abated. The great work is begun ; and 
important causes cooperate to accomplish it, in 
the happiness of mankind. 

Thrice happy country, which first obeyed 
the voice of fi'eedom. What class of citizens 
may we not hail on this auspicious day ? What 



18 



countenance does not ahoTr all nature's lines 
improTed in the general content? It is not 
Liberty without laws and without subordina" 
tion, it is not a finished structure, but it is upon 
everlasting foundations. Science gives her aid 
in the unnumbered institutions that she every" 
where places among us ; but particularly in tha* 
ardor she enkindles for the best institution o*^ 
man, the Free School. Do we not behold the 
generous idea, in the late establishments of 
this Town, which we believe to be the com- 
mencement of its laudable designs. Glory to the 
patrons of so useful an institution. 

What do we possess or hope, that reminds us 
not of Washington ? Such the tribute to this 
great man. But can this liberal tribute be paid 
to living virtue ? It can. No future event can 
forbid an American to say, he owes all his hope^ 
to this benefactor ; and he sees his virtue prompt" 
ing all the great designs of Liberty, in Europe' 
It is the testimony of a whole people, amid the 
envies, the passions, and the strife of life. Pos- 
terity will discover from this gratitude, the great, 
ness of their obligations. The life of our bene- 
factor is the secui'ity of our Peace. May he 
live long. But we remember humanity. When 
the shouts of approving mortals, are heard no 
no longer, may a reward from the Almighty dis- 
tinguish him in a happy immortality. 

While report brings to us the liberal testimo* 
nios of joy in our Capital, is there nothing to urge 



19 



our ambition. Should the immortal friend we 
celebrate this day, be present, would his gene- 
rous heart be more touched with our praises, more 
enlivened by our music, more raised by our 
sumptuous entertainment, or more moved by the 
generous joy of our countenances, than in find, 
ing the day of his birth celebrated by the most 
distinguished charities ever obtained among the 
citizens ? 

We might then eat the bread of joy and drink 
wine with a merry heart, believing that God ac- 
cepted our gift. 

Hall, hail, the clay, ye heavenly choir ! 
Let earth, with all her sons conspire ; 
Great Washington demands yonr song: 
Let heaven and earth their notes prolong. 

Oar Winthrops nursed onr infant days : 
Our fathers did rehearse their praise, 
From proud oppression sought retreat. 
And Salem was their happy seat. 

When prond oppression urged to armS| 
And slaughter spread its dire alarms, 
Great Washington, with glory, rose, 
Repelled and vanqnished all our foes. 

Sweet Peace returned, glad Plenty smiled, 
The Arts and Commerce are revived ; 
Our children hear their Savlor'o fame, 
And lisp with gratitude his name. 

Fair Liberty! behold thy son, 
Who nations for thine empire won, 
Who lives to teach, in every clime, 
Thy sacred laws to all mankifld. 



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